Overview & Reviews

For the most part, the pickings in the midsize hybrid sedan segment are fairly mundane. One exception is the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a sedan that offers better fuel economy than its main competitors while also being more enjoyable to drive.

Though driving enjoyment typically isn't high on the list of a hybrid buyer's list of priorities, the Fusion Hybrid delivers an unusually lively experience behind the wheel. If you're shopping for a new or used hybrid-powered sedan, this Ford should definitely be near the top of your list. Its unusual combination of solid driving dynamics and superior fuel economy, along with its good looks, comfortable ride and accommodating interior, makes it easy to recommend.

Current Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a midsize four-door sedan that's available in three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. There is also the plug-in, extended-range version, called the Fusion Energi, which is reviewed separately.

The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine working in concert with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. All told, there's 188 horsepower on tap along with impressive EPA fuel economy estimates of 47 mpg in all three cycles: city, highway and combined.

Standard equipment highlights on the S include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the voice-activated Sync audio/cell phone interface and a sound system with a CD player and USB/iPod interface. The SE adds a keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat, a rear seat center armrest, satellite radio and numerous options. The Titanium's highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, remote start, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated front sport seats, a power passenger seat, the MyFord Touch electronics interface (with configurable gauge displays), a rearview camera and an upgraded audio system. Key options include a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, automated parking assist and blind-spot detection.

In reviews, this Fusion Hybrid impressed us with its athletic handling and communicative steering that provides a more engaging driving experience than you'd expect from a fuel sipper. At the same time, the ride is supple over bumps and ruts, the cabin is supremely quiet and Ford has made strides in making braking effort seem more natural: a previous complaint with the Fusion and indeed many hybrids. And while the trunk is compromised by the presence of its battery pack, the remaining space is more useful than that of rival hybrid sedans. If there is a primary drawback, it's that Ford's electronic interfaces are less unintuitive than other systems.

Used Ford Fusion Hybrid Models
The current, second-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid was introduced for 2013. All told, Ford managed to take all the attributes of the previous Fusion Hybrid -- notably, excellent fuel economy, sharp styling, sporty handling, a smooth ride and plenty of handy features – and bolster it with more dramatic exterior styling, improved driving dynamics and the latest in electronics and features. These Fusion Hybrids are identical to the latest version with a few minor exceptions. Specifically, they lack the availability of the S trim level, inflatable rear seatbelts, a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

The first-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid debuted for the 2010 model year and ran through 2012. It was a midsize sedan that employed a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack to produce 191 hp. The power was sent to the front wheels through a CVT. Along with a fuel mileage estimate of 39 mpg in combined driving, this Fusion Hybrid had the ability under low load conditions to propel itself to nearly 50 mph on battery power alone.

The handsome cabin sported quality materials and a wealth of standard features. The latter included 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, the MyKey system (limits top speed and audio volume), a keyless-entry security code pad, automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. There was also the Sync electronics interface (includes voice commands, Bluetooth and iPod control) and a six-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and steering-wheel controls. Options included a rearview camera, a premium audio system, a sunroof and a navigation system with Sirius Travel Link.

In reviews, we were pleasantly surprised by the Ford Fusion Hybrid's well-sorted chassis. It's not a sport sedan, but it is sportier than you'd expect a hybrid sedan to be. Granted, you'll get even better mileage out of cars like the smaller Honda Insight and ubiquitous Toyota Prius. But when you compare apples to apples, the first-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid is an excellent choice for a used hybrid family sedan.

User Reviews:

• 

  Im very happy with it - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By josh chau - May 26 - 11:23 am

  I previously owned an 00 cirrus (18 mpg) and with the FFH (501A) Im getting exactly 38-41 mpg with moderately conservative driving in the hilly Boston areas over 1700 miles of driving. I got a 6.6% discount on MSRP. There is a small delay when immediate torque is requested (when compared to a small displacement V6), but acceleration is adequate. I think the FF 09 body style was sexier but 10 is not ugly. My experience on the HWY is more than 36MPG (more like 36-42 mpg) Im very happy and expect to keep driving this car for the next 10 years.

• 

  Fun To Drive Hybrid, Did Not Get The BMW - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By johno626 - May 9 - 3:33 am

  We are on our third week with the FFH and love it, so does my wife who drives a BMW. I was on my way to writing a $50K check for a new BMW for me when I saw and test drove the FFH. The handling is great and the technology well thought out, and I saved about $20K over my other choice. We just did a 1 week drive (>1000) vacation within NYS and averaged well over 37 mpg, with some short trip topping over 50 mpg when mostly on EV. The Sync system is great although I had to purchase a new phone because my old one didnt sync with it. My wife who loves maps and directs our drive trips loves the Nav system. It found the backwoods cottage we rented in the Catskills without a hitch. Great car!

• 

  3,500 miles - ENGINE WONT START - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Fusion_Disappoints - May 8 - 10:46 pm

  Loved this car for exactly 2 months. First new car in 10 years and loved all the upgraded accessories - navigation, SYNC, smart gages. Was averaging >40 mpg combined. One day, it just would not start (the green light wouldnt come on). All other lights were on but the engine would not start. As of today, its been in the Ford service shop for 30 days! They cannot figure out what is wrong. Its incredible that Ford would put this car on the market with this type of hidden defect and without having service mechanics (including corporate mechanical and hybrid experts) able to diagnose the problem. Ford customer service has been unresponsive. Buyers beware of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

• 

  Nice looking car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Hans - April 3 - 3:34 am

  At 92000 miles transmission went bad on my hybrid. I was lucky it was under warranty . They said the warranty on transmission would only be good for the remaining warranty off 100,000. The dealer told me that this new transmission was around 10,000 dollars from the factory. Would I bye a ford again ? No My son also has a Fusion hybrid also has problems with it at 33000 miles. Thats what you get from a Mexico built car.

• 

  47 MPG maybe not a lie but sure aint true - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By john1932 - March 26 - 12:22 am

  If you can get anything over 30 MPG in town you can not drive over 25 and need to coast to stops. On the highway 35 MPG is what you get. Back seat leg room not there, trunk small even considering battery pack. Driver side window molding coming off so I am gluing it on. Am I disappointed of course but everything above I can live with except the total deception Ford has put out on the MPG one might expect.

• 

  Very impressed so far. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By aaronj1159 - March 25 - 1:03 am

  Ive had this car for about a week, so I cant provide much information on long-term success yet. However Im so happy with the initial quality and fuel economy results of this car. I commute almost 80 miles a day in a mountainous, and recently colder region, and getting over 41 MPG straight away in those conditions is wonderful in my opinion. Im also not driving the car as conservatively as I could. The bonus is that Ive seen so many people turn their heads as I go by, and Ive had multiple strangers compliment the vehicle. The ride is very comfortable and steady, and to this point at least, I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

• 

  Love This Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By LoveThis Car - March 15 - 7:13 am

  502A package. Had 2 weeks. Joy to drive. First hybrid Ive owned but have driven a Prius rental. Chose Ford to buy because of style and roomier interior. The lower mileage was a good trade-off for me. Playing the "mileage" game has changed my driving habits quite a bit. This car is incredibly quite and fun to drive so I dont mind cranking up the Sony stereo and driving slower. No hurray any more. Finding that my mpg keeps improving. Up to 40-44 pmg in moderate city traffic. Driving style impacts mpg a lot so heavy footed drivers may be disappointed. Seat support/adjustments with adjustable steering wheel make for a comfortable ride.

• 

  Happy so far - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Dr.JB - March 10 - 10:26 pm

  Rides well, very comfortable. Not much different than a non-hybrid. The dash display is helpful and not distracting. Have driven approximately 100 miles and averaging about 35 mpg (mostly city driving). Only problem has been with the SYNC- it wont recognize my ipod- so back to the dealer. Overall very happy after the first few days of ownership.

• 

  My First Hybrid - 2013 Fusion SE - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ga_ashby - March 10 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this car primarily because of its gas mileage and style. Over the past three weeks I have been averaging 53 MPG in my daily 42 mile commute in Atlanta traffic. I have had to learn how to drive this car to maximize its mileage. No I dont do 75 MPH in the left lane, but I do usually cruise between 60 and 70 MPH depending on traffic conditions. The car is comfortable, runs very quite and smooth. I really like the gauge layout on the dash and the Sync works reasonably well - my issue was that the IOS 7.0.4 update broke the Bluetooth interface which is causing me to have to reboot my iPhone at least once a day so it will sync correctly.

• 

  WOW! - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By democrates - February 7 - 7:57 pm

  You know it was designed both inside and out by Aston Martin. If you compare it visually to the Vanquish or the Repeater there are many similarities. This is like no other Ford before it. I got the loaded one with all the leather and the bells and whistles. The driving safety features are first class. The car has every feature I could think of and more. It even dims the highbeams at night automatically when an oncoming car approaches. The Lane Assist feature is amazing as it makes keeping the car centered in the lane a breeze. There is sonar or radar 360 degrees around the car and it alerts you to all oncoming hazards, especially in the parking lot. I could not recommend this car more